I’m joining Project Simplify!

March 5, 2012

Simplicity is the first cousin of contentment. Its motto is,
“We brought nothing into this world, and we can certainly carry nothing out.”
It recognizes that we are pilgrims.
It concentrates us on what we need, and measures this by what we use.
It rejoices in the good things of creation, but hates waste and greed and clutter.
It knows how easily the seed of the Word is smothered by the “cares and riches of this life.”
It wants to be free of distractions, in order to love and serve God and others.
-John Stott, British evangelical

When a friend visits after church and says, “Wow, look at all these toys,” it’s a good reminder that we do (despite our best efforts at minimizing, organizing, and decluttering) have too much stuff.

DAY 1: Monday

Today, I’m starting with what’s easy —

Garbage and junk: Amazing how much stuff your kids have that is really just junk/garbage. For example: used stickers, broken hair clips, food storage containers, and post-its.

Ainsley’s baby clothing (and really… big girl clothing): I have a lot of memories attached to her outfits. But when looking through that big lavender rubbermaid bin, I realized many of my “memories” are just photographs I love of her. Do I love the photos for her clothes or for her? The answer is obvious, and makes it much easier to reduce our “keep” pile.

I took all my “before” photos, and I’m ready to spend the week pursuing peace for us and our kids through less.

Upcoming weeks will bring us through the kitchen, closets, and a choose-your-own-project project. If you want to join in, check out the details here. (If you don’t have kids’ stuff to organize, tackle your own clothes/stuff.)